This election cycle, Gwinnett voters are being asked to consider continuing the E-SPLOST (education special purpose local option sales tax). Over the years, the E-SPLOST has provided thousands of needed classrooms as well as technology improvements that are essential to teaching and learning.
Gwinnett’s E-SPLOST is not a new or additional tax but a continuation of the one-cent tax already being collected on sales. The current E-SPLOST sunsets on June 30, 2022. If voters approve the extension, the penny would be collected for another five-year period, beginning July 1, 2022.
The district estimates that the extended E-SPLOST would bring in tax collections of $984,565,000 over the five-year period. That amount would be split, with approximately $957,096,000 going to Gwinnett County Public Schools and $27,469,000 to Buford City Schools (based on school enrollment).
Projects for the E-SPLOST proceeds include a new middle school in the Archer Cluster and additions and renovations at Harbins ES, Shiloh MS, Trickum MS, Archer HS, Central Gwinnett HS, North Gwinnett High School, and Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology. Other capital improvements would be funded with proceeds, including a refresh of technology at all schools, digital instructional resources and other instructional materials and textbooks, systemwide facility improvements such as roofing and HVAC and building improvements, and the purchase of school buses to replace older, less-efficient vehicles.
The ballot question also calls for approval of short-term general obligation (GO) bonds , which would provide the district with funding prior to the collection of the sales tax, allowing us to get a jump-start on needed building and technology projects. The bonds would be repaid with sales tax proceeds as that revenue is collected.
GCPS has a proven record of delivering projects on time and within budget. Since the E-SPLOST was first approved by Gwinnett voters, it has played a major role in a building program that has provided 65 new schools and 94 additions and renovations for a total of 6,041 new classrooms.
Online, learn more in an informational insert about the E-SPLOST and find Gwinnett County Voter Information.
4 Things to Know About the Nov. 3 Election…
Gwinnett County voters are being asked to approve a continuation of the one-cent E-SPLOST, a local tax designated for schools.
Gwinnett’s E-SPLOST is not a new or additional tax. It's the same penny tax already being collected on sales.
Projects funded by the E-SPLOST would benefit every cluster and every school.
The E-SPLOST question is long and it is the second-to-last item on the ballot.